Biological Sciences

Exploring the science of life

There has never been a more exciting time to study the science of biology, whether your interest is in human, animal or plant life. As one of the University’s largest departments, we’re renowned for our high levels of student satisfaction on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

At Essex you can study a wide and exciting range of subjects including marine biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, ecology, environmental microbiology, plant science, genetics or genomics.

We address problems ranging from how to exploit enzymes as new industrial catalysts and how they evolve to drive antibiotic resistance, to use microbes as agents to clean up pollution and keep us healthy, to stop cancer cells forming, develop better crops to feed us, understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems from the tropics to the arctic and how modern life affects the workings of the human genome.

Like our students, our staff are passionate about science and have travelled from all over the world to be at Essex. Our founding principle of research-led teaching is central to our ethos, giving you the opportunity to develop an enquiring research mind set while you gain practical laboratory skills and field techniques in our first class facilities.

Our curriculum is constantly evolving, so you have the freedom to explore what interests you most from our diverse selection of modules. Whatever you choose, we equip you with everything you need to build a successful and satisfying career.

Our work with business

Through our research and teaching and our external Advisory Board we have developed strong links with companies, government bodies and charities. Our Advisory Board brings together representatives from external organisations, key employers, regulators and professional bodies to help inform our curriculum, employability and research outputs.

Why choose us?

Tailor your course to your interests

Opportunity to study abroad for a year

Range of placement options

Athena Swan Bronze Award

State-of-the-art laboratories

There has never been a more exciting or important time to be a biologist to address the many challenges the natural world and human society face. As a student in our School, you will be taught by enthusiastic academics who are leading researchers in their fields, in a supportive environment that will build on your passion for biology.